McDaniel College Top Questions

Dear Jaimie, You know there's much more work to be done, but stop for a minute and breathe. Look at where you are and realize how far you've come! You're a senior now! You did it! Be excited! You've kept your eyes on the future and you're on your way! And while you excitedly prepare for college, which will help you get one step closer to your goals, remember this: Your goal of earning your degree and getting a career is not the endpoint, but a step in your (our) life's journey. On your journey through college, you will be faced with new challenges, new experiences, and new uncertainties--existential crises. But crises does not mean failure--it means change. Embrace the change. Embrace the challenges. Embrace the experiences. Embrace the uncertainties. Uncertainties lead to opportunity, to creativity, to new possibility. Look toward the future, but also look at what's happening to you in the present. Accept the uncertainty, the crises, and see these times as what is molding us to become who we are in the future. Enjoy this time. Enjoy this journey. You're on your way.

These next four years will be the most important years of your life, so treat them like it. I wish I would've realized this at a younger age. Throughout much of my life, my main focus was athletics. This in turn has helped me achieve many accolades and excel above my competition. But, as captain of my college football team, my main focus in undergrad was to succeed on the field. The classroom aspect always trailed behind in my priorities. I now regret the lack of effort I put into my studies. I'm in law school now. However, the path I took getting here is a lot rockier than it needed to be. Having a subpar undergraduate GPA didn't work in my favor. But, I got in and for the first time in my life, I've put forth full effort towards my studies. I've ranked extremely well in my class but the financial burden is much worse than it could've been. My little brother is a rising senior now. I've been trying to mentor him as if he was a younger me, telling him exactly what I wish I would've learned earlier.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior. I would tell myself to search for scholarships. Things are very difficult right now, and if I had applied for scholarships at that time, it would have been easier on my parents. I didn't think too much about that. I would also go back and tell myself that college isn't as frightening as one would assume. I would tell myself not to worry too much. I would tell myself to focus on the things that I needed to do at the moment and let the future take care of itself.

If I could go back in time, I would encourage my high school self to improve my time managment skills. College work takes a lot longer to complete then high school homework, and adjusting to the amount of work was difficult. I would encourage myself to work on my note taking skills, since the majority of college course require excellent note taking skills. Most classes are lectures and students are responsible for taking notes on the information they learn in class. Lastly, I would encourage my high school self to focus on my social skills, since staying in college dorms is a big transtition from living with my parents. Adjusting to living with people you do not know can be difficult, if you do not have an openmind.

Open up, do not just have one group of friends. Be interactive withothers and join a club you never would have before it might surprise you in the end just how much fun it actually is. College can be the best time of your life if you allow it to be.

When you enter college, you are bombarded with so many changes, questions and concerns… It’s a whirlwind of change that whips up even the strongest of individuals. Going into college I remember constantly feeling pressured to please everyone. In the midst of trying to follow all kinds of rules, keeping my parents proud, and pouring hours of work into subjects I wasn’t passionate about, I compromised my true love and passions—leaving me empty and miserable. My heart ached to be involved in the arts… but the words of previous guidance and admissions counselors rang in my head: “Nobody ever gets anywhere as an Art major.” I felt broken; I wasn’t doing what I was made to do. If I could go back in time, I’d want the 17 year-old Karlie to know that people will try and prune you to create what they want you to be… “Karlie, you aren’t a tree… if you don’t like where you are, move.” I wasted two years doing things I hated, and that’s not what college is about; it’s about fine-tuning your life’s calling and your life’s passions.

As I reflect upon my high school experience, there are few challenges that affected me. I have overcome enormous obstacles throughout my high school career. Work ethic has always been very important to me and therefore, I never struggled to keep my grades at a high level or to manage my time as a student athlete. The first and perhaps most beneficial piece of advice that I would give myself, would be that it is never too early to start thinking about your college education. I would also tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible. As a young woman, I would also tell my high school self to stay optimistic and to never get down on myself because I see all the obstacles that I have powered through with my perserverance and responsibility and I can see that I have a natural ability to succeed. I know now that I have the ability to do anything I set my mind to; I wish I would have realized it earlier.

You wanted to major in “saving the world”; here is your chance. You are the hero of this story, you do not need saving. Use the tutors for organic chemistry before the final; they are invaluable in all your classes, but most specifically this one. Also, ask Professor Craig about his work for the FBI, he has some really interesting stories to share. Your roommates will become some of the most important people in your life. Bring rain boots to Kasey’s wedding. Give him a second chance. Don’t forget your family, call them every once in a while. Yes they will not understand, and drive you crazy, but do it. Don’t be afraid to do that travel abroad option, you will still be able to finish your biology degree on time. Spend your money on travel, spend the extra to go to Croatia, you’ll be upset if you don’t. You are intelligent enough to get through this. Once you are done, do not give up, you will get in to physician’s assistant school to be able to pursue your dreams. Just make sure to keep applying, and working towards it.

Of course just like everyone says, I would tell myself to not rush through high school. Once you go off to college, you're pretty much on your own. I would reassure myself that one bad grade or one mistake, or a few, is not that end of the world. Things will go on. You learn from your mistakes and it makes you wiser. Stop caring so much about what people think of you and be comfortable in your own skin. I would remind myself to not worry about keeping in touch with my high school friends from home. If they really wanted to keep in contact they would. My friends from home are at a different stage in life than I am, things change. Most importantly, I would tell myself not only to have fun and enjoy the present, but to also remain grounded and remember everything my family has taught me that has made me the young woman I am today.

I would convince myself to research all different careers and degrees and do a elimination process. I think that i would of found out what i wanted to do alot sooner and went to school sooner. I would already be in the nursing field and helping familys and patients.

Continue to challenge yourself. Strive for success and never give up. Give it your all.

If I could talk to my high school senior self, I would tell her several things. One, live up your summers because pretty soon you won't have any. Don't be afraid to let go of the past. Do not procrastinate on your homework in college, it will come back to haunt you. Enjoy college but don't forget about your work. Major in what you love not what you are expected to major in such as the sciences. I unfortunately did not major in what I loved until my junior year and unfortunately my GPA reflected it. I did what I thought was expected of me. Don't do that. Most importantly, be yourself and don't forget who you are.

I would go back and tell myself that no amount of research can prepare me for the transition. For that reason, I would also tell myself to dismount off my high horse that I was sitting on; just because I'm going to school only an hour away does not mean that it would make the transition easier. Be prepared to rely solely on yourself and become your own motivator, coach and teacher. There's no one you can physically turn to and seek solace in but that that builds self strength and integrity.

I would like to know the dedication that college sports require. I would also pay closer attention to what surrounds the campus.

DON'T PANIC! Especially don't panic about not being able to get in where you want. Yes, going to the school where your mother is a professor seems bad, but in the end it's the best school for you and the right choice. You'll love it there! Also, forget Asian Studies: major in English first; double-major in Art (don't just minor!!!), minor in math or compsci. You'll be happier. Finally, GET A JOB. It'll make paying off those loans later MUCH easier!

College has been valuable to attend for many personal reasons. I want to achieve an AA degree in early childhood education continuing on to my bachelors and eventually achieving my doctorate and masters in Pre-K through 12th while also learning a few languages because I do plan on going overseas to help children of all ethnicities and backgrounds. It has been valuable not only because of what I am learning but it is important to me to complete these goals and accomplish my long term goals. Kilian has taught me to keep going there are going to be bumps in the road but they will help me jump those hills and get back on the right path to graduation. My teachers share the same passion as I do about early childhood ed. and that makes my classes twice as amazing because I am able to discuss my passion with others who feel the same as I do.

When I graduated high school I wasn't sure if I really wanted to attend college because I really didn't like the high school experience. That is why I chose to attend a community college because I thought it would be an easier progression into college life. During my first semester, I really began to enjoy it. I really felt at home at a small college and I felt like I was gaining more by the smaller class size. I also really enjoyed the freedom of being able to make my own schedule and decide what my life was going to be like. After some time in college I began to notice some positive changes in myself as well. I began to grow more confident when I interacted with other people, and I became more confident in myself and my abilities. I started to really love my choice of major after years of indecision. I could really feel myself growing as a person, and I think that is the best thing that I have gained from the whole college experience.

Out of my college experience so far I have learned that it can be a lot harder than high school. Being in college is much more different because you live on your own and you have to make all new friends. I think that atteneding my college has helped me to become a more independent person and it has also helped me to beocme the person that I am today. I really enjoy being at college because everyone is really nice and it helps you to make lots of new friends.

College has helped me mature and expand my knowledge. I've learned things inside and outside of class that I never would have otherwise been aware of. I have become a more confident and motivated person with clear goals and educated opinions. I've met so many interesting people that I would have never come across at home. I have friends that live in different states and countries, friends that speak multiple languages and are from different backgrounds and religions. The diversity that students are exposed to at college can't be matched by any other experience. I've even met a lot of younger people outside of school that have helped me make decisions that would have never even considered. I volunteer at the local Boys and Girls Club as a mentor and I've met a lot of young boys and girls that have really changed my perspective on life, and it has actually greatly influenced my decision to be a teacher. The greatest thing about college right now is that I'm only halfway finished, and i get to see and experience so many more amazing new things over the next two and a half years.

What I have gotten most out of my college experience is learning how to adjust myself to a new environment. I think that it is important to know how to adjust to any situation, especially unfavorable situations, so that you can further succeed positively towards a task, goal, or whatever it may be. It has been valuable to attend college because within this new environment, I am able to meet new people and I am exposed to different cultures and perspectives. Also, I am constantly learning more about myself the more I am exposed to different types of people and learning how to handle situations diplomatically. Because of these components, I am developing as a person, which is important to me. I believe that it is important to explore, learn and grow as much as you can in life. Ultimately, it has been valuable to attend college because I am actively working towards my educational/career goals and I am continuously building my foundation from the exposure and experiences that college has given me thus far.

My college experience has been incredibly beneficial, life-altering, and rewarding. I have gained a greater sense of personal worth, and have increased my love for learning since my very first day. Because of my experiences, I have learned to appreciate those that are different from me, and to get along and work with them toward greatness and toward our futures. It is always comforting to know that other individuals are just like *you*, and attend McDaniel College for the same overall purpose: to learn, to grow, and to thrive; to give back to the community, to help those in need, and to develop a greater sense of what is truly important in this world. My experience has been valuable, because I feel that there is a sense of purpose here, and that my classmates and I are all at McDaniel College together to make our world - locally and around the world - a better and more wonderful place to live. When we turn our tassels and throw our hats into the air on graduation day, I know that each and every one of us will all be able to genuinely and truthfully say, "We did it! We made a difference!"

The single most important piece of advice I can offer is to apply to as many scholarships as possible. Although I received an academic scholarship, which tremendously helped, I attended a fairly expensive private school, and was left with a considerable amount of loans to pay back. As a high school student, I felt that an academic scholarship was enough and that I did not need to take the time to apply for others, however, I quickly found that I was horribly mistaken. If I could do it all over again, I would definitely recommend applying to other scholarships. One aspect that I truly loved about McDaniel College was that it was a small private school where the students had every opportunity to work individually with professors. Conversely, all of the professors provided individual attention to each student. This is an element that a large university cannot offer, but something that I needed to succeed.

I would tell myself to consider the character I want to develop during my college career. College is a period of growth and it is necessary to pick a school that will challenege values and limits. If I were to redo my decision I would look at the diversity colleges offer and consider if I would be making a transition into a stimulating institution or if I would be relocating for another four years of high school. My tranisition to college was easy but only because I was not pushed out of my comfort zone, a needed experience to develop a sense of self and life. I made a safe college decision and I wish I had chosen a school that would expand my world view through peer and academic interactions. However; I feel I have continued to live in a high school bubble.

I would tell myself not to take college life for granted. I would tell myself to actually study for exams and if I really do need help with any assignments given to me in class, I should go up to the teacher after class and ask for help. I will also tell myself that it is alright to actually make mistakes since no one in the world is perfect. I should live my life to the fullest and give it all you got. There are people in the world that expect greatness from you and the only way to achieve that "greatness" is to actually ask for help. I should have really worked hard and truly worry about your GPA. You can achieve anything , you just have to work hard to please yourself first and then the people around me. Remember never to give up.

When I was a senior in high school, I only applied to one school and after a year I trasferred from that University. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have told myself to apply to more than one school. Therefore, I would have had more choices to try to choose the school that was right for me. I also wish I fully comprehended the differences between high school and college before I was a freshman in college. High school was easy for me, so I believed that college was going to be the same way. As a result, I did not work to my full potential fall semester of my freshman year. If I had expected my classes to be as difficult as they were, I believe I would have been more successful.

Its okay to be afraid at first but once your there and making new friends everything is all right! If anything it is exciting because you are learning what interests you and it is the beginning of a successful future!

If I had the opportunity to go back and speak with myself as a high school senior, there are many things I would say. First, I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships. Paying for college can get really expensive, especially when your attending a private college like myself, so applying for more grants and scholarships would have been helpful. I would also tell myself to focus on my school work and managing my time. That is one of the hardest things I had to deal with as a Freshman. In highschool you didn't have to study every day for five hours to be successful, but thats not the case in college. Finally, I would tell myself to relax, sit back and enjoy the ride. I was so stressed out about getting in, starting off new and making a name for myself, but I know now that going to McDaniel was one of the best choices I've ever made and was I given the choice to go back and do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing!

"What a homecoming game" I say to myself as I get home. We lost 27-3, but at least I demolished the competition. McDaniel College's football department won't be disappointed. Right before falling asleep, a flash of light jerks me awake. Before I can throw something at my little brother for waking me up, I see before me... Me... The corporeal form of me. I look different though, "What the hell?" I ask the ghostly self before me, I don't remember getting a concussion... "No you didn't hit your head David. I'm you, three years from now." "Really man?" I tell myself -er himself- I don't know how to refer to myself in an animated third person, "What is this, some lame 80's movie?" "Yeah, whatever, just listen. I'm you in college. Here's some advice. Manage your time wisely, study hard, but play harder. You're going to enjoy it a lot. And you're going to win the Nobel Peace Prize." "For what?" "Um HELLO?! Look at me! I'm in my Junior year and I've already mastered time travel!" "Oh yeah..." And with that he vanished.

Set goals for what you want to complete in college before you graduate and complete them. If you want to go abroad, do not hesitate; it can be a life-changer. Find a group of friends and stick together through thick and thin. Those friends will help you get where you want, and be the greatest source of support you could ever imagine. Don't dive in over you head the first semester; a bad gpa is hard to recover from. Do everything in moderation except anything that could put your life in jeopardy; avoid those at all costs. Take a break when you need one. Excersize gives you endorphines, one of your greatest friends, while strengthening your mind and your self-image. Get enough sleep! If you do this as well as you can and study hard, then feel free to enjoy yourself too! College is the best time to explore the world, take a trip to New York, find a soul mate, start a blog, go skydiving, or even just learn how to knit. And most important of all, study what you find is fun regardless of you job outlook. Happiness is riches. Smile everyday and be rich!

FInd a school that matches your personality, if you like diverse cultures find a school that will give you that. Don't think it will be "ok" or you will survive... who wants to simply "survive" for all the money that your spending? Also, don't be afraid to not know what your gonna do, take a chance, who knows you might just suprise yourself :)

As I would travel back in time to visit myself I would first motivate myself and congratulate myself for all the thingsI have done. Knowing what I know now about college after completing my first semester I would prep myself for what is to come. I would advise myself to begin planning and organizing my days well. I believe that this would be very beneficial to me as I moved on into transitioning to college life. Having your day planned out well will lead to managing your time and having your life under control. Being at college away form home will introduce you to many things and alotting time for everything you do will lead to wonderful grades and a healthy future.

Entering college is so exciting. The idea of meeting new people and having a whole new sense of freedom is exhilarating. My best advice for any incoming freshman is get involved. Whether that be joining a sorority or fraternity, a club that grabs your attention, or even a sports team make sure that you find something that peaks your interest. Finding your niche is so important. Joining a group gives you the opportunity to meet not only other incoming freshman but also upperclassmen who can guide you in your college experience. Once you find the perfect club or group to join it makes the college experience so much better. Don?t be the person who chooses to sit in their room and let the fun find them. That kid never has fun in college.

When choosing a college students fret too much about what a college has to offer to them. While this is an important aspect to think about, it's also important to think about what the student can offer to the campus. For me, it's what you make of the experience that will determine your happiness at a school. Becoming an active campus member, whether it be joining a club or just enjoying an activity your campus offers is perhaps the best way to become happy at a college. No school will be perfect in everyway, just remember to focus on the aspects most important to you and you will be satisfied with the decision you made. It is not a decision of life and death, if you're not happy you can always transfer. Just take every opportunity to get to know your college and it will give back to you ways you can't even imagine.

I would say to start early and visit the prospective schools. Stay a night in the area and walk around the campus. It is important to get a feel for a place that you will essentially be living in for about four years before deciding. Also, try and meet professors in an area you are interested in or current students. It is always a good thing to get feedback from faculty, but also from your peers. I would also say to not let money deter your interest away from one school or another. This is an experience and it will pay off in the end.

When beginning the college application process, one must first consider what size of college you want to attend and the location of the school that you may go to. If the high school class setting was the most beneficial for your learning, then a smaller college setting is right for you, while larger university's offer a larger and more flexible classroom style. Also, one must consider the prospect of being far away from home and even transportation options to and from college. One's financial situation is also important to consider and most importantly, your academic performance and community or social involvment in high school. The best advice that I can provide is to visit and tour potential colleges to see for yourself if you could fit in there. Once you're at college, involve yourself in the community to make the most of your college experience. Academics are what you have paid thousands of dollars to be there for and learning is obviously the most important priority of college life. However, do not be afraid to branch out and to join clubs and organizations of interest. Attend college activities and sporting events and make friends for life!

Everyone has to find the right fit for him or her. Going to a school just to please your parents is not going to be a worthwhile experience. Finding a school that has the right class sizes-whether it be a small lecture class of 15 at a private college or a huge lecture hall of 300 at public university, everyone has different learning styles that need to be met. Finding a school within a desirable distance from home is also key. Do you want to be able to go home every weekend or only on breaks? Can you handle being on the opposite coast? Do you want to go to a big city school or in a more rural setting? Are you into the arts? Science? Do you play sports? These are all important things to consider when choosing the right college for you, but you have to remember you are going to be the one sitting in the classroom and living in the dorms for four years of your life, you need to pick a school where you can image yourself being happy and being successful, not only in school but also in life.

I would visit multiple schools. It never hurts to see a variety of styles. It allows you to see what common themes and trends you like as well as those you dislike. I would also reccommend finding a way to talk to the average student. The students that are selected to speak to prospective students and parents are usually geared toward just one aspect of the college experience, such as the sciences, community service, athletics, etc. By breaking away from the volunteers and faculty selected speakers, I believe an entirely different layer is exposed. You find out the nitty gritty about the school, both good and bad. You get a glimpse of the college experience from the eyes and mind of someone who is more rounded and has possibly dabbled in more aspects of both academic and social life.

Visit as many colleges as you can and find the school that's the right size for your child.

To students, visit a variety of different colleges before you settle on a decision. Although you may think you know what type of college setting you want, the type that ends up fitting you may be something else entirely different. In order to decide on the right college, picture yourself being at each college you visit. There is no mathematical equation to figuring out the right college for you. It's the good feeling you get when you see the buildings and can imagine going to classes, you see the people and can see yourself fitting in with them, even when you can imagine enjoying a meal with new lifelong friends in the cafeteria. When you are on campus, the best way to make the most of the experience is to be open, and try new things. Join a club or two (maybe more), and meet the people in them! Talk to the people in your classes, and don't limit your social life to one group of people. Most importantly, parents: let your student take the lead. Trust that if you raised your children the right way, they will make the most of their college education.

Find the place that best suits you. It'll click when you find it trust me.

Make sure you visit all colleges you plan on attending. Find one that offers many major and career paths, since you'll probably end up chaning it a few times once you start school. Also, go somewhere far from home; it'll help make you independent faster and make you work harder and learn responsibility. It also better prepares you for life when you thrown into the big world. STUDY ABROAD!! Make friends, and the best way to do that is by being involved in as many things on campus as possible. Don't be afraid to step out of you comfort zone. Work comes first, play later.

The only way you will ever find the right college is to spend time with the students of that campus. First order of business would be to go on a tour of the campus with your parents. A tour gives you and your parents the ability to ask questions about campus activities, classes, campus dining, teachers and anything else that comes up along the way. Second order of business would be for the student to plan a weekend stay at the campus. Contact the campus and tell them what you are interested in and they can set up a weekend stay with a student who is involved in that extra-curricular activity. The best way to make the most of your college experience would be to "GET INVOLVED!" You will be able to build a resume with volunteer work and leadership experience much easier if you become involved in college. Not only will you build valuable skills for after college you will make life-long friends along the way.

The best advice I can give when applying to colleges and trying to find the perfect fit is to definitely visit and try to stay overnight. College visits, sitting in on classes, and tours are all very helpful, informational, and important; however, you can really get the "college experience" of that school if spend the night. By spending the night, you are able to see how people really act around the campus when all eyes are not on them. You get to experience dorm life, the every day dining experience, and really get to know the students on campus. Moving away from home is a big change and new experience, so choose a college that not only fits you academically, but will make you feel home away from home, which is important and valuable. Not everyone gets the perfect college fit, but if you can get the true feel and experience of the school, you will know whether or not the college or university is right for you.

Go where you think you'll fit in. My school was small, which is what I wanted, but the student body wasn't diverse - I never found a group of people I fit in with. Also be aware of money. I wish I had gone to a bigger, less expensive school even though my professors were great. It wasn't worth an extra $20,000 per year.

I would say to visit colleges before choosing and to not let finances get in the way of you decision. College is a great time to enjoy and learn, and letting money cloud the experience is not worth it in the end. I would encourage students to not try and get in with any one group-sororities/fraternities-unless they are passionate about the organizations ideals and core beliefs because friends can be made without the need for attachment to one particular group. I would say to not party all the time and to take classes seriously because you only have one shot and it should be all of your effort. I was the first in my family to go and graduate-aunts, uncles, sisters, parents, etc.-and so I really took it seriously. Now, I am the first to go to grad school and it is something that my family is very proud of. One person can make a difference, so I would encourage people to try something new and be proud of it in the end.

it is all about what fits you best McDaniel College was great for me and i will always remember my time her and love it!

find what is right for u

Look into the classes, the activites, the surrounding area, and make sure to talk to people who have gone there. Find out what student/teacher relationships are like, and what students do for fun? Do people go home or stay on campus for the weekend? Do they have school related celebrations liek homecoming or a spring fling. How are the excercise and study facilities. Find out if the school can cater to your needs and wishes.

The best thing you can do is visit, visit, visit! I visited a number of schools during the application process, and I honestly wouldn't have picked McDaniel as my first choice if I hadn't come here to check it out. The thing is, many schools are very good at making themselves look good on paper, and suddenly you get there and realize they completely misadvertized themselves. Luckily, because I chose to visit McDaniel, I knew the second I set foot on this campus that it was the right place for me. You never know how you'll feel about a school's size and student body unless you've actually been there. Plus, making the effort to come for a tour and interview with the admissions office gives you an opportunity to jump off the page and be more than just another application on a desk somewhere.

It is very important for parents and students to visit the school and get a sense of the general atmosphere of the college. Students should talk to a variety of people that attend the school not only the student ambassadors provided by the college. It is important to get the opinion of someone not being paid to talk about the school. Also, it is important to get a more in depth look at the classes and how they work, perhaps by sitting in on a class or two, after all youa re going to college for the education. Parents should not pressure there children to pick a school based on the scholarship money that the school provides because afterall the happiness of the kids at school is what is most important. Parents should support the college choice that their kids make regardless of the financial situation.